FG constitutes panel to probe deaths of 37 NSCDC detainees, suspends 20 officers
pannigeriannews
2 min read
By Isaiah Adewole
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State over alleged illegal mining.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development today, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17.
The minister also ordered the suspension of 20 NSCDC officers, in addition to the Niger State Commandant of the Corps, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The deaths occurred after the suspects were arrested during NSCDC operations against alleged illegal mining activities in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The actual cause and circumstances of the deaths have not been conclusively established, with authorities investigating several possibilities.
Tunji-Ojo described the deaths as “deeply disturbing”, saying the Federal Government owes the families of the deceased and Nigerians a transparent account of what led to the incident.
According to the minister, the committee will establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths.
It will also determine responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
The minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee and ensure that all records and material evidence connected to the incident are preserved and made available to investigators.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” he warned.
The committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General, Mr Jonathan Kure, mni, comprises legal, medical, security, mining, media, human rights and public affairs representatives.
Other members are Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), Secretary; retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Mr Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr George Agbakahi, a public affairs analyst.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister. It may also co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public.
The Niger State Government had earlier confirmed the death of the 37 detainees and said investigations were underway to establish the scientific cause of death. Governor Umar Bago also appealed for calm following protests and unrest sparked by the incident.
The Interior Minister extended condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as the independent investigation proceeds.
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